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Ryan McCormick28MarNewsComments Off on With Criminal Charges Dropped, Is Jussie Smollett’s Career Permanently Damaged? ﻿

Infuriating Chicago’s mayor
and police chief, prosecutors abruptly dropped all charges against Jussie
Smollett on Tuesday after the “Empire” actor accused of faking a racist,
anti-gay attack on himself agreed to let the city keep his $10,000 in bail. But
he maintained his innocence and insisted he was attacked. Prosecutors said they
still believe Smollett concocted the assault.

Jussie Smollett’s career is
over – there will be no comeback.

In the court of public
opinion, Smollett is guilty for orchestrating an attack on himself which could
have potentially triggered civil unrest. An actor’s marketability and value is
largely based on their favorability perception in public.

As of right now, Smollett is
not in good graces with the masses. The March 20 episode of “Empire” of was the
lowest rated in the series’ history.

If in the near future
Smollett were to give a series of “Oscar deserving” performances in any of his
roles, could that shift public opinion? No.

If Smollett were to run into
a burning building and save children, kittens, and puppies – would that shift
public opinion? No. In fact, I would bet that the first public reaction would
be that Smollett set the fire himself.

Smollett will always be
known for and affiliated with his most recent brush with the law. His brand is
toxic.

Also, I imagine that fellow
actors and studios would be very hesitant about hiring or working with Smollett
at this point. Some may say Smollett is too much of a risk and liability. Why would
they feel inclined to take an unnecessary chance?